80 years

of service to

Jesus Christ

NEWSLETTER OF

Sunnyland

Christian Church

Volume LIX

Issue 12

June 5, 2018

Congratulations to all of our

2018 Graduates!

“Instruction ends in the schoolroom,

but education ends only with life.

A child is given to the universe

to be educated.”

~ Rev. Frederick W. Robertson

Pastor’s Ponderings

I Got the Book

I bought the book, Thrive: Spiritual Habits of Transform-ing Congregations but it is doing no magic. Its value will depend on the willingness of people like you and me to read it. Sort of like the family Bible which might store information about the family but is not opened for spiritual guidance and inspiration, Thrive will have little to no effect upon us or our church unless we open it and open our minds and hearts. I plan to share information on a regular basis from the book to see if you and I and our church will benefit and indeed transform. We know there is room for improvement in our lives and in our church as well as in this world. So, maybe it is time (or even past time) for you and I to develop new spiritual habits that are charac-teristic of transforming people and churches.

One habit that transforming churches have is that of prayer. Not to be nosy, but how is your prayer life? Is it growing? Are you transforming? Is your life bearing fruit? No matter what we do to change our sanctuary or to add to our worship services, if you and I are not praying and transforming and letting go to let God accom-plish more in us, then we will see little results we wish for. But if we grow our prayer lives, maybe we will realize more what the poet Tennyson had in mind when he wrote:

Page 2

Prayer List

Sandy Hibbard

Steve Miller

Scott Rogers

DeEtta Wilson

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice rise like a fountain for me night and day. For what are men better than sheep or goats that nourish a blind life within the brain, if, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer.

I have the book, Thrive, and it can be of help. But not without prayer.

Will you commit with me to pray

for our church, our church leaders,

and our community area every

day? Would you pick a time, the

same time, every day?

Let's pray. Let's grow with God. ~Evan

Pray for our Homebound:

Nadine Arnold Norma Jason Dina Keithley Adrienne Miller Steve Miller Marjorie Moushon Phyllis Schmidt Pray for Our Active Military:

Sam Armstrong, Marines Brandon DeLaval, Army Marguerite Godwin, Army Bernard Green, Army Curtis Hallam, Merchant Marines Jacob Huffines, Navy Darrin Kesler, Air National Guard Joshua Nave, Navy Brent Powell, Air Force Jacob Shepler, Army

BLESSING & DEDICATION

On Sunday, June 3rd, Pastor Evan Williams had the joy and honor of blessing and dedicating he and Patty’s grandson, Alexander Driver Williams. Alexander is the youngest son of David and Betsy Williams. He has an older brother, Ben. Blessings to all! (continued)

BUS DRIVERS & MONITORS NEEDED

Part of our Christian Mission is to provide bus service to those who may not otherwise be able to attend our church services.

We are looking for monitors and drivers to add to our

morning rotation on Sundays.

If you are already a qualified monitor or driver, please contact Randy or Tom (see below) to join our rotation. You are not required to attend the training, but are certainly welcome.

If you would like to become a new monitor or driver, please attend the training at the church:

Thursday, June 21 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

For more information, contact:

Randy Isbell at 309-360-2476 or Tom Berlett at 309-369-9939.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

Page 3

Upcoming Calendar:

June 8-Church Office Closed (Vacation Day-LeeAnn)

June 11-CWF General Meeting,

6:00 pm (see details below)

June 14-Transformation Meeting, 6:00 pm

Flag Day

June 17-Father’s Day

June 21-Bus & Monitor Training

5:30 pm (see page 2 article)

Sunnyland At Worship

June 10, 2018 Pastor: Evan Williams Sermon Title:

“Help for the Hopeless” Scripture: Psalm 130 Worship Leader: Mark Hoffmire Worship Leader Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Elders–Mark Hoffmire Leo Ruemmler Deacons- Captain: Dave Anderson Doors: Sandy Miller Mark Hodges Serve: Bonnie Anderson Jan Berlett Christina Gresham Sue Lehman Alaina Smith Nursery Helpers: Don & Pat Manier Emergency Coordinator for June: Earl David Weather Spotter for June: Bob Pinney Weekly Lectionary Reading- 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15); Psalm 138; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

Sunnyland At Worship

June 17, 2018 Pastor: Evan Williams Sermon Title: “What Can God Make of This?” Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 Worship Leader: Kim Brenkman Worship Leader Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 Elders-Ernie Meiner Leo Ruemmler Deacons- Captain: Bonnie Anderson Doors: Earl David Nancy Hodges Serve: Dave Anderson Barbara Baker Jenna Hoffmire Wayne Isbell Bob Pinney Nursery Helpers: Doug & Peggy Beal Emergency Coordinator for June: Earl David Weather Spotter for June: Bob Pinney Weekly Lectionary Reading- 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34

Sunday, June 17

We honor our Fathers and thank God for their love

and guidance.

CWF NEWS

General Meeting Monday, June 11

6:00 pm

We are invited to meet at the home of Dave & Bonnie Anderson, 13 Country Lane, East Peoria. Please to bring a dish to share. A sign-up sheet is available in the James Street Foyer. If you need to arrange for a ride, contact Jan David: 696-4285.

All women are invited! Make plans to join us.

CWF will take a summer break and resume regular activities after Labor Day.

RUTH ~ a New Musical Saturday, June 16

7:00 pm

Grace Church 1325 E Jefferson St

Morton

The classic story of Ruth will be brought to life in this original concert-style musical by David Getz, Orchestra Director at Morton High School.

Donations will be taken for Peoria Rescue Ministries.

ADDRESS UPDATE Ward Miller

2324 Washington Rd #E10

Washington IL 61571

THE ILLINOIS VALLEY CLUSTER PRESENTS

Sunday, July 1 2:30 pm

First Christian Church 6400 N University St, Peoria

Tickets to the play are $10, which includes dessert & a beverage; Tickets are just $5 for ages 12 & under.

TRANSFORMATION

TEAM UPDATE

Met May 31st with ten present. Discussed needs for us to change and ways for us to grow-reading preface, introduction, and Chap-ter 1 of Thrive. Next meeting is June 14 at 6:00 pm. Join us!

Newsletter of Sunnyland Christian Church

SUNNYLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2401 Washington Rd Washington IL 61571-1748 Phone (309) 699-1332 Pastor-Evan Williams E-mail: sccwash@comcast.net

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Postage Paid

Permit No 18

Washington IL

Non-Profit Org

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew his masterpiece was complete,

And so, he called it Dad.

Happy

Father’s Day!

Congratulations, Class of 2018! COLLEGE

SYDNEY ANDERSON graduated with her Master ’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Rockport University in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated with high honors and a 4.0 average. Sydney is the daughter of Gary & Krista Anderson, and granddaughter of Rosemary & the late Don Martin.

KRISTINA LYNN ARNS graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, major ing in Business Administration and Psychology. Kristina is the daughter of Sherri & Rob Arns, and the grand-daughter of Bob & Carol Pinney.

JACK THOMAS BERLETT graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor ’s Degree in Sports Communication, and a Minor in Business Finance. He is moving to Galesburg to work at Sandburg College, where he will also be an Assistant Coach for the Men’s Basketball Team. Jack is the son of Tim & Laura Berlett, and the grandson of Tom & Jan Berlett.

BROGAN BROWNFIELD graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor ’s Degree in Supply Chain Management. He is currently working as a supervisor at the Menard’s Distribution Center in Plano, Illinois. Brogan is the son of Mike & Kim Brownfield, and the grandson of Tom & Jan Berlett.

HANNAH BROWNFIELD graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate’s Degree, and plans to complete her Undergraduate as an Elementary Education major at Bradley University. Hannah is the daughter of Mike & Kim Brownfield, and the granddaughter of Tom & Jan Berlett.

NATHAN KAUFMANN graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Master’s Degree in Quality Engineering Management. He is the son of Greg & Betty Kaufmann.

JONATHAN NEIS graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eureka College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Leadership Minor. He has accepted a position with Walmart in store management. Jonathan is the son of Chris & Lori Neis, and the grandson of Bob & Carol Pinney.

GRACE OLIVIA NOICE earned an Associate Degree in Arts for Communication PR. She will continue her education, majoring in Mass Communication at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Grace is the daughter of Amber Shelton, granddaughter of Carol Wolstenholm, and great granddaughter of Ed & Joan Messmore.

BRIANNA LYNN SALMI graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She will be working for Clifton, Allen, Evans of Peoria. Brianna is the daughter of Bill & Lori Salmi, and the granddaughter of Janet Newman.

JODEY SEAMAN graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor ’s Degree in Accounting. Jodey is the nephew of Greg & Betty Kaufmann.

MICHAEL SHOTT graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bradley University (in 3 years, at 20-years old), where he studied Computer Science. He will begin working at Produce Pro Software in Woodridge, Illinois in early July. Michael is the son of Karin Orwig, and the grandson of Claudia Irving. (over)

HIGH SCHOOL

SYDNEY MARIE GRAMM graduated with honors from Metamora High School. She will attend Indiana State University in the fall, majoring in Dietetics. Sydney is the daughter of Sharon Gramm, granddaughter of Ron & Angelia Gramm, and great granddaughter of Hildred McCumber.

TAYLOR HITESMAN graduated from East Peor ia High School and plans to attend Eureka College.

BRODY ISBELL graduated from Washington High School. Brody is the great nephew of Greg & Betty Kaufmann.

ETHAN MEYER graduated from Eureka High School. He plans to work at Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, and attend Illinois Central College in the semi truck driving program, possible Special Education teacher in the future. Ethan is the brother of Johanna, son of Joshua Meyer, cousin of Jayden and Janelle Hoffmire, nephew of Jenna Hoffmire, great nephew of Mark Hoffmire, grandson of Donna Hoffmire, and great grandson of John Hoffmire.

JEREMY OWEN NOICE graduated from Washington Community High School. He plans to attend Illinois Central College in the fall. Jeremy is the son of Amber Shelton, grandson of Carol Wolstenholm, and great grandson of Ed & Joan Messmore.

SHANE P O’LEARY II will graduate from East Central High School in San Antonio, Texas, and plans to attend St. Phillips College in San Antonio. Shane is the son of Shane & Jodi O’Leary, the grandson of Barbara Wilson, and the great grandson of Dorothy Hall.

SAMUEL BRADFORD WOLSTENHOLM graduated from Richwoods High School, with plans to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in the fall. Sam is the son of Joe & Suzi Wolstenholm, nephew of Carol Wolstenholm, and grandson of Ed & Joan Messmore.

JUNIOR HIGH SHCOOL

MEHKAI SPRING graduated from 8th Grade at Bever ly Manor. Mehkai is the son of Brianne Spring, and the grandson of David & Patty Gade.

PRESCHOOL

JAYDEN HOFFMIRE graduated from preschool at Eastside Educational Center in Mackinaw. He will start kindergarten at Lincoln Grade School in Morton. Jayden is the son of Jenna Hoffmire, brother of Janelle, cousin of Ethan and Johanna Meyer, nephew of Joshua Meyer, great nephew of Mark Hoffmire, grandson of Donna Hoffmire, great grandson of John Hoffmire. Jayden’s plans for the summer are playing tee ball, going fishing, and watching Cubs/Cardinals games. He can tell you the score, the number of balls and strikes and what inning the game is in—Uncle Mark taught him all that!! Jayden’s favorite players are Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo.

Congratulations, Class of 2018!